LCK (South Korea): Unrivaled Dominance

The LCK sent four teams, earning an extra slot for topping MSI 2025, and lived up to their billing as the world's strongest region. They swept the Quarterfinals (all four advanced from Swiss) and produced both finalists, going 25-5 in inter-regional matchups—a staggering 83% win rate.

• T1 (4th seed): Defying their domestic struggles (6th in LCK Cup, 3rd in playoffs), T1 entered as Play-In winners over Invictus Gaming (3-1) and peaked at the right time. They upset Anyone's Legend 3-2 in Quarters, blanked Top Esports 3-0 in Semis, and edged KT in the final. Faker's game-saving Anivia wall and Gumayusi's Finals MVP performance (Miss Fortune ults) sealed their legacy.
• KT Rolster (4th seed alternative): Undefeated 3-0 in Swiss, they upset Gen.G 3-1 in Semis for their deepest run since 2018.
• Gen.G (1st seed): 3-1 Swiss exit to KT; pre-tournament favorites faltered.
• Hanwha Life Esports (2nd seed): 3-1 Swiss, Quarters loss.

Verdict: LCK's macro precision and adaptability crushed everyone. Their internal competition bred champions, peaking at 6.7M viewers for the all-LCK final.

LPL (China): Strong but Vulnerable

Hosts LPL also sent four teams but managed only two Quarterfinalists, falling short of expectations despite home soil and a deep pool of talent. They posted solid early results but crumbled in knockouts.

• Anyone's Legend (2nd seed): 3-0 Swiss, but 2-3 Quarters loss to T1.
• Top Esports (3rd seed): 3-2 Swiss, 0-3 Semis whitewash by T1.
• Bilibili Gaming (1st seed): Defending runners-up, stunned 1-2 by 100T in Swiss—biggest upset.

Verdict: LPL's chaotic innovation shone in Bo1s (83% early Swiss WR), but they lacked closing power against LCK. JackeyLove noted Faker's "exceptional leadership" as the gap.

LCP (Pacific): The Overachievers

The unified Pacific region punched above their weight with one deep run amid modest expectations.

• CTBC Flying Oyster (1st seed): 3-2 Swiss, Quarters loss—first LCP Quarters in a decade.

Verdict: CFO's veteran core exceeded hype, proving LCP's growth, but depth issues persist.

LEC (Europe): Disappointing Fade

Three seeds, zero Quarterfinalists—worst showing in years (0-3 early Swiss).

• G2 Esports (1st seed): 3-1 Swiss, Quarters loss to CFO.

Verdict: G2 showed flashes but imploded under pressure. Romain Bigeard admitted they're "far from excellent."

LTA (Americas): Early Exits

The merged NA/SA region was first eliminated entirely post-Swiss.

• 100 Thieves (3rd seed): Upset BLG but Swiss exit.

Verdict: One bright spot, but overall underwhelming.

Regional Performance Summary

Region	Teams	Best Finish	Inter-Regional WR	Key Highlight
LCK	4	1st (T1), 2nd (KT)	83% (25-5)	All-Korean final
LPL	4	Quarters	~60%	100T upset
LCP	3	Quarters (CFO)	50%	Deepest run ever
LEC	3	Quarters (G2)	17%	Zero early wins
LTA	3	Swiss	33%	First out

Looking Ahead: Worlds 2026 Implications

LCK's stranglehold (three-peat intact) exposes the East-West chasm. LPL must refine execution; Western regions need talent pipelines and mental fortitude. With $5M prize pools and record 6.7M peaks, expect bolder imports and innovation. T1's rice cakes to LCK rivals symbolize unity in dominance—Korea reigns supreme.